Read the beginning of The Importance of Being Earnest. Title: The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde The Persons in the
Play John Worthing, J.P. Algernon Moncrieff Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D. Merriman, Butler Lane, Manservant Lady Bracknell Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax Cecily Cardew Miss Prism, Governess First Act SCENE Morning-room in Algernon’s flat in Half-Moon Street. The room is luxuriously and artistically furnished. The sound of a piano is heard in the adjoining room. [Lane is arranging afternoon tea on the table, and after the music has ceased, Algernon enters.] Algernon. Did you hear what I was playing, Lane? Lane. I didn’t think it polite to listen, sir. Which analysis of the beginning of The Importance of Being Earnest is the most accurate? The setting at the opening of the play makes a comment on the benefits of being married. The names of the characters in the play help Wilde illustrate the differences between social classes. The title is helpful in establishing the play as a comedy of manners because it makes use of witty wordplay. The first line of dialogue in the play helps Wilde emphasize a contrast between city and country life.
The play The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde, has as main focus the hypocresy, arrogance and pretension of the aristocrats compared to the humility and less pretentious life of the lower class.
Oscar Wilde plays with the meaning of the word "earnest" (honest) and the name "Ernest". This wordplay is both witty and funny and it is helpful in establishing the play as a comedy of manner. This first part perfectly illustrates the behaviour of the upper class in Victorian times.
